Recall roundup: This week’s consumer product recalls

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Here’s this week’s roundup of recalls announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Magnetic maze boards

About 18,500 magnetic maze boards made by Lakeshore Learning Materials of Carson are being recalled because the product’s plastic wand can separate and expose a magnet that can be a choking hazard to children. Also, if a child has more than one of these toys and the magnets detach and are swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.

Lakeshore has received 10 reports of wands separating and magnets detaching. No injuries have been reported.

The boards were sold at Lakeshore Learning Materials stores nationwide, through its catalogs and online at www.lakeshorelearning.com from January 2009 through May 2010 for $30 to $40. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately take the toy away from children and contact Lakeshore to receive a free replacement product. For additional information, call Lakeshore Learning Materials at (800) 428-4414 or visit the company’s website at www.lakeshorelearning.com.

Gas smokers

About 18,450 Char-Broil vertical gas smokers are being recalled because when the temperature setting is ‘low,’ the smoker’s hose/valve/regulator (HVR) assembly does not allow sufficient gas to flow, causing the flame to extinguish. Gas continues to flow and build up inside the smoker. If the smoker is reignited, the buildup of propane gas can cause an explosion that bursts the smoker’s door open, posing an injury hazard.

The gas smokers were made by Ningbo Spring Communications of China and imported by Char-Broil of Columbus, Ga.

Char-Broil has received five reports of doors bursting open and hitting consumers. Injuries reported include burns to the face and head, head concussion and cuts.

This recall involves Char-Broil vertical gas smokers with model number 07701413. The model number is printed on a metal tag on the right rear leg of the smoker. The smoker measures 21.5’ x 19.5’ x 45.5’ and weighs 75 pounds. A ‘G’ inside a triangle is printed on the regulator.

The smokers were sold at Wal-Mart and other retailers nationwide from March 2008 through June 2010 for about $140.

Consumers should stop using the recalled smokers and contact Char-Broil for a free replacement HVR assembly and installation instructions. For additional information, call Char-Broil at (866) 671-7988 or visit the firm’s website at www.charbroil.com.

Baby bottle warmers

About 11,000 Beaba Express Steam Bottle Warmers sold by Williams-Sonoma are being recalled because the product can overheat liquids and baby food, posing a burn hazard to adults and babies. Williams-Sonoma has received 10 reports of the bottles overheating, including one report of an adult who received a finger burn from touching a hot bottle.

This recall involves the Beaba Express Steam Bottle Warmer, which uses steam to heat baby bottles or baby food. The bottle warmer is green with an orange temperature dial. ‘Beaba’ is printed on the base, and the model number 9602 is printed on the underside of the warmer.

They were made in China and sold at Williams-Sonoma stores nationwide, online at www.williams-sonoma.com and through Williams-Sonoma catalogs from June through July for about $65.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bottle warmers and call Williams-Sonoma for instructions on how to return the product for a full refund. Additionally, consumers who return the bottle warmers will receive a $25 Williams-Sonoma merchandise card.

For additional information, call Williams-Sonoma at (877) 548-0850 or visit the firm’s website at www.williams-sonoma.com.

-- Andrea Chang